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Following a live online course takes little equipment, but a little preparation. Most problems during a lesson (a blocked microphone, choppy sound, arriving late) can be solved in a few minutes before you start. Here are our tips, based on how the Sapience virtual classroom works, to get the most out of every session.
Before the lesson: get your equipment ready
An up-to-date device and browser
A recent computer, tablet or smartphone is enough. Update your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari): the virtual classroom opens directly in it, with no app to install. On a computer, the larger screen makes shared documents easier to read.
A stable connection rather than a fast one
For a video call, stability matters more than top speed. A fibre, ADSL or 4G connection with good reception is fine. On Wi-Fi, sit near the router and pause downloads, updates and streaming on other devices in the home during the lesson.
Headphones, and a microphone that is allowed
Earphones or a headset prevent echo and help you hear your instructor better. The first time, your browser asks for permission to use the microphone and camera: allow it. If you refused by mistake, click the icon to the left of the site address to change it.
A test ten minutes before
Log in to your dashboard about ten minutes before the scheduled time. Check your battery or plug your device in, close unnecessary tabs and get ready to take notes. The email reminders sent before each lesson help you remember the appointment.
During the lesson: take an active part
- Mute your microphone when you are not speaking : the class sound stays clear for everyone.
- Ask your questions as they come up, out loud or in writing. That is the whole point of a live lesson compared with a video.
- Answer the live quizzes, even when you are not sure: a mistake spotted during the lesson is a mistake corrected.
- Take notes in your own words rather than copying everything down, and write down what you did not understand.
- Open the resources your instructor shares as the lesson goes on.
If your connection drops, don’t worry: just join the lesson again from your dashboard.
After the lesson: make it stick
What happens after the lesson matters as much as the lesson itself.
- Reread your notes within 24 hours and complete them with the lesson resources available in your dashboard.
- Do your assignments well before the deadline : your instructor’s feedback is more useful while the lesson is still fresh.
- Revise at regular intervals rather than all at once: a few minutes the next day, then the following week.
- Use messaging and the forum for questions that come to you afterwards.
Keeping it up over time
Consistency makes the difference over a course lasting several weeks. Block the lesson times in your diary like any other appointment, let the people around you know, and keep an eye on your progress: attendance, grades and badges in your dashboard show how far you have come, which helps you stay motivated.
Going further
See how live online courses work on Sapience, explore our online training with an instructor, or go back over the points for choosing an online course.